Toy Stories II: Playful art jumps out of the toy box at Havu Gallery

In this age of designer toys and Hello Kitty decor, art and playtime have already crossed over into shared territory. And Havu Gallery's Toy Stories exhibit in the summer of 2011 took the concept to a higher level, using toy-like elements to appeal to an adult sensibility. The holiday season is a great time for a comeback, which we saw when Toy Stories II opened over the weekend, with work by many of the same whimsical artists who were showcased in the first show.

Paintings, ceramic works, sculpture and assemblage all come together again in the second edition, which is just plain fun and at times, a little macabre. Toy Stories II continues through January 5 at Havu; visit the website for more information.

SUCCESS!

Susan Froyd is a Denver native who studied English, Art and finally Journalism at Metro State University, and also managed movie theaters and sold art supplies before landing at Westword in 1992. Decades later, she still feels privileged to serve the vibrant artists in all disciplines who make our town a more engaging place to live.